Q.Majestry Palms, Sticky Brown Bumps
I have three good size majesty palms (23″ planters, water reservoirs in base of planters) 6 footers indoors near windows, south Florida. They get nice light most of the day, only 1 hour of direct sunlight per day on only a portion of the plant. For the most part lighting is perfect, plants are thriving. 5-6-7 new shoots constantly, fertilize every 25 days. Perfect drainage, green as could be, mist every few days. The brown bumps are driving me crazy with the stickiness. Moved them outside, used an old tooth brush to remove every bump, 5 hours for all three plants. Used 50/50 rubbing alcohol/water, misted for two weeks, brought them back into the house but they’re back. Now misting every other day, still coming back, worse then caring for a toddler. Seems like the bumps originate in the lower trunk. What can I do to get rid of them? Everyone who comes to my apartment thinks I should be in the business. Help…. !!!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I agree. Neem oil is your best line of defense. For more information on palm scale, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/palms/sticky-palm-tree-leaves-treatment-for-palm-scale.htm
larviv, you have "the dreaded scale"...a miserable little pest. Neem oil would be my first choice of eradication. Scrubbing is a good idea, but they will return. Scale is notoriously difficult to kill, keep after it. Use the product according to package directions. Use it as often as suggested, because if you let unhatched eggs become larvae, the whole cycle will need to begin again. Alcohol kills mealies and whiteflies, but the waxy coating on scale keeps it from working. Systemic insecticides are good on new growth, but not really effective on mature parts of the plant.
